Bengals' Whitworth not rushing strained calf

Andrew Whitworth continued to work out on the side field during practice this week. He strained his calf on the last rep of the conditioning test before training camp began.

Despite sitting out, Whitworth stands light years ahead of where he was this time last year when he re-injured an offseason knee injury and couldn't do any work until taking the field in Week 2 of the regular season.

His time off the field is primarily precautionary to avoid making a small injury one that nags throughout the year.

"It's no different than pulling a hamstring, calf is the same way," Whitworth said. "If you rush it, it could end up being a six-month injury. If you take your time, it could be fine. Just trying to take my time and be healthy and be ready to go when it's time."

Meanwhile, the veracity of his workouts allow a different type of training camp that have the 32-year-old invigorated.

"This is the most I've worked out probably the whole time I've been in the NFL," Whitworth said. "In the offseason I trained great. During this time I have trained my butt off over there. Physically I feel wonderful."

HEWITT TALK CONTINUES: Another day, another position coach with positive statements about undrafted free agent tight end/fullback Ryan Hewitt. The Stanford product continued earning an opportunity with the first team during Friday's practice and Hue Jackson sees the rookie making the most of it.

At one point, he even sprung Giovani Bernard for a run off left tackle in a thud running drill.

"That's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it," Jackson said. "He's smart, he's tough, he makes plays. He's a big guy. He likes the competition, the physical part of it. That's what that position is all about."

FAMIILY DAY: The Bengals open up Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday for the first of two Family Days during training camp.

The concourses will be packed with activities for kids and the practice is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. This comes on the heels of the second largest crowd of camp Friday night when 1,400 fans plus VIPs showed up to the practice fields adjacent PBS.